how much do traditional religious teachings hinder your spiritual growth?

Question

how much do those same teachings help you to discern between what is truth and what is unbiblical?

as a member of the lutheran church, i know plenty about tradition. for me, personally, traditional teachings have given me a firm foundation, but not much more, and still, i've had to discard some of those teachings, as i feel that a lot of church doctrines put limits on God. it has been very beneficial for me to study other doctrines, and to ''chew the hay and spit out the sticks.''

however, it's not the same for us all. i'd like to hear from everyone here- state your particular denomination (or lack thereof), as i am convinced that denominational teachings make a big difference in our opinions on this matter (catholics will most likely exalt tradition, while charismatics will most likely denounce it). for instance, i go to a lutheran church, and i'm a confirmed member, but i consider myself to be non-sectarian/ non-denominational, and i have already stated the reason for that.

Answer 1

You just hit my pet peeve.

2Ti 3:1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. 2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, 4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; 5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

Three fourths of the church has a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof, and I believe that they are a big part of the reason why the power is hindered in those who do believe it. Jesus could not do many mighty works in his own country because of their unbelief, and he had to kick the unbelievers out of the house before he could raise Jarves' daughter from the dead.

When people like Randy Clark got to India or Brazil or China or Africa people get healed right and left, but when they come back to this country they have very limited results.

Benny Hinn years ago was having a problem with people who he healed getting sick again. He discussed this with Norvel Hayes who told him what the problem was. They were letting the unbelievers talk them out of their healing when they should be just giving their testimony.

Come and talk to me at http://p207.ezboard.com/bjehovahrapha

Answer 2

Interestingly enough....My parents were Lutheran and I was a forced member of the church. I was very young, when I first started questioning the teachings of the church.

My spirit wanted to know and live and breathe fresh air....I was not comfortable in a religious box.

I am a Deist....comfortable in my search for something that I may have already found....or may never find.

I can look back, and say now, that the traditional religious teachings were beneficial to who I am.

Answer 3

I too am Lutheran.

Traditional teachings do NOT interfere with spiritual growth when the traditional teachings are not at odds with Scripture. I find myself becoming a more conservative and Confessional Lutheran the more I study.

Therefore Spiritual growth has reinforced and solidified the traditional teachings for me!

Mark.

Answer 4

I am "non-denominational" because far too many churches have "traditions" that either violate Scripture, have no foundation in Scripture, or restict spiritual growth.

Some traditions are good, as Paul alluded to;

2 Thessalonians 2:15

15 Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.



Others are man-made commandments which in some cases supercede Scripture. Jesus spoke of this when He condemned the Pharisees for putting tradition above God's commandments.

Matthew 15:1-9;

1 Then the scribes and Pharisees who were from Jerusalem came to Jesus, saying,

2 “Why do Your disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? For they do not wash their hands when they eat bread.”

3 He answered and said to them, “Why do you also transgress the commandment of God because of your tradition?

4 For God commanded, saying, ‘Honor your father and your mother’; and, ‘He who curses father or mother, let him be put to death.’

5 But you say, ‘Whoever says to his father or mother, “Whatever profit you might have received from me is a gift to God”—

6 then he need not honor his father or mother.’ Thus you have made the commandment of God of no effect by your tradition.

7 Hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy about you, saying:

8 ‘ These people draw near to Me with their mouth, and honor Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me.

9 And in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’

There are traditions which we have been commanded by the Lord to follow, namely baptism and the Lord's Supper, but in some churches even these simple traditions have been twisted to the point of where they violate Scripture.

For example, some churches teach the doctrine of "Transubstantiation", the supposed miraculous changing of the bread and juice into the literal body and blood of Jesus, which violates God's commandments concerning the eating of blood;

Leviticus 3:17

17 It shall be a perpetual statute for your generations throughout all your dwellings, that ye eat neither fat nor blood.

Leviticus 7:27

Whatsoever soul it be that eateth any manner of blood, even that soul shall be cut off from his people.


And those are only a few of the errors taught in the churches in which tradition violates or contradicts Scripture. Men just can't leave well enough alone, they have to add their own ideas to God's Word.


If you follow Biblical traditions as written in Scripture, you can't go wrong. But bear in mind also, some Old Testament traditions were meant strictly for the Jews (feasts, etc.)

Tradition should have it's foundation and support in Scripture and Scripture should limit tradition. In other words, if your tradition comes from Scripture, do not go beyond what that Scripture (in context) dictates.

We would have far fewer conflicting doctrines and far fewer denominations if we would just take God at His Word, and do His commandments without adding our own traditions to it.

Answer 5

I consider myself a cultural Episcopalian. Was raised in that tradition and like the liturgy and music. I've heard it said that the great thing about Episcopalians is that no matter what you think, you can always find one other who agrees with you. Ultimately, religion is just a way to create a common language to discuss the spiritual - when it loses that aspect and becomes rule based then it has lost its focus. All rivers run to the ocean, eventually.

Answer 6

Traditional religious teachings put you in a box and throw away the key. Spiritual antennae can't reach out.

Answer 7

In my opinion he's proper. Buddhism appears to be the kindest nicest faith (if you'll name it that, as you do not ought to think in some thing superstitious to grow to be Buddhist) It additionally does not threaten you with hellfire if you do not think. It teaches simply goodness and kindness, they like to meditate. Tibet is Buddhist, and one if no longer thee so much peaceable locations on this planet (Im no longer buddist, however i like there state of mind.) Oh and buddist don't worship some thing, Buddha himself mentioned that he's no longer a god and used to be simply the equal as all people els. Hope i helped